We all know that LED light therapy is great for anti-aging, but what are the other benefits? In this ultimate guide, we explore everything you need to know about LED light therapy. From the types of LEDs available to how it works and what to look for in a product, we’ve got you covered.
So, whether you’re looking to improve your skin health or just want to learn more about the benefits of LED light therapy, read on!
Contents
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses different wavelengths of visible light to treat various skin concerns.
The LED light therapy is a painless, relaxing skincare treatment that plumps up aging skin by boosting collagen production and treats acne by killing bacteria. LED stands for light-emitting-diodes. First developed by NASA, LED works by sending energy-producing packets of light into the deeper layers of the skin.
How does LED light therapy for skincare work?
LED light therapy is becoming more and more popular skin treatment. You could compare LED light therapy for the skin with how the light of the sun influences your skin and plants. Maybe you have read about the photo-synthesized process on plants. Well, that’s roughly the same way the LED light therapy for skin works.
Plants use a certain pigment substance to convert sunlight into cellular building blocks. That is similar to light therapy which stimulates your skin cells to create new proteins.
Depending on what color of LED light you choose, it can help with various skin concerns such as acne, fine lines and wrinkles, dull skin, and redness. Wound healing is also one of the benefits of LED light therapy for the skin.
Benefits of LED light therapy
Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
One of the main benefits of LED light therapy is that it can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One study found that LED light therapy significantly improved skin smoothness and reduced the appearance of wrinkles after just one treatment.
Helps reduce acne breakouts
LED light therapy has also been shown to be an effective acne treatment. One study showed that blue LED light therapy was effective in reducing acne breakouts. Another study found that a combination of blue and red LED light therapy was even more effective in reducing acne breakouts than using topical medications alone.
Boosts collagen production
LED light therapy can also help to boost collagen production and improve the overall health of your skin. This is one of the reasons why it is so effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So if you are looking for a way to rejuvenate your skin, LED light therapy is a great option.
Reduces redness, and rosacea
In addition to helping with acne, red and infrared light therapy can also help reduce redness, rosacea, and sensitivity. These are conditions that many people suffer from, so it’s great to know that LED light therapy can help.
The spectrum of LED lights
There are three main colors of LED light therapy and each color has different benefits for the skin.
Red light
Red LED light therapy is one of the most popular colors of LED light therapy. Red LED lights are also called healing lights. These colors of light penetrate deeper into the body, targeting skin cells and underlying tissue to promote healing and regeneration.
Red LED light therapy can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production, and reduce inflammation.
These red lights which are set at certain wavelengths improve skin texture, color, and tone. As a result of its working on and in the skin, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles diminishes.
The infrared wavelength enters the deep vascular inner layer of the skin and because of that, the blood flow will be stimulated and also making the skin muscles more relaxed.
Blue light
The LED blue light kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and speeds up healing. Deep pore cleansing, enzyme exfoliation, steam and extractions, and oxygen infusion are included. Blue light also helps to purify the skin, stabilize oil glands, and soothe inflammation.
In combination with red light wavelength, the light energy also decreases redness and reduces inflammation. When you carefully follow the directions for applying the blue LED light, the light energy also treats marks and may keep outbreaks away.
Green light
A good alternative to lightening creams is using green LED light therapy for age spots/dark spots, hyperpigmentation, discolorations, and sun damage. The light energy lightens and fades over pigmentation, protects it from future discolorations, and improves the skin tone.
The green light influences the melanin-producing cells in the skin. This process leads to limiting the overproduction of melanin and also prevents it from going to the surface of the skin. The process takes care of melanin clusters leading to less discoloration.
Applying the green LED light therapy in line with its directions, gives the feel and appearance of a softer and more luminous clarity, and radiant tone.
Yellow light
Yellow light reduces the appearance of redness, swelling, and inflammation. This color of light is beneficial for rosacea and for treating burns such as sunburns.
Yellow light also stimulates the production of red blood cells in the skin and is effective in treating abnormal pigmentation (hypo and hyper), improving lymphatic function, and stimulating circulation.
Orange light
The orange light is a combination of red and yellow light and it has the benefits of both colors. Orange light can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and stimulate circulation. It has been shown to bring vitality to dull and lifeless complexions. An orange light is good for bringing a glow to the skin for special occasions.
Purple light
Purple LED light therapy increases cell regeneration. It decreases the telomeres of DNA in the cell to essentially bring it back to a stem cell-like (brand new cell) state so that it can divide and create new cells.
Cyan light
A specific color of light that is beneficial for treating mild to moderate acne is cyan light, also known as blue-violet. Cyan light therapy can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne, reduce redness and inflammation, and stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin.
White light
A combination of the other colors of light, white light includes the benefits of all wavelengths. It is considered to be the most effective and powerful wavelength for treating a range of skin conditions.
Whether you are looking for an overall improvement in your skin’s appearance or are trying to treat a specific issue, light therapy can help.
Are LED lights harmful to the skin?
When used as directed, LED lights are safe for the skin. There is no risk of UV exposure or other harmful side effects. However, it is important to follow the directions for use carefully to avoid any potential skin irritation.
How to choose an LED light therapy device?
When choosing an LED light therapy device, you should consider factors such as the wavelength of the lights, the intensity and duration of treatment, and whether it is approved by a regulatory agency. Some devices also come with different lenses or filters that can offer more targeted treatments for specific skin conditions.
FOREO’s UFO is the only device you need
If you are more into at-home devices, FOREO’s UFO devices (UFO 2 and UFO mini 2) are the right pick for you.
Eight different LED lights
UFO 2 & UFO mini 2 feature a wider spectrum of LED lights than any of our competitors, adding maximum power to your power mask treatment!
Each of these eight LED lights has individual qualities and has been paired with different UFO Power Activated Masks according to its unique skincare benefits. Simply select an exclusively formulated mask of your choice, and revitalize your skin with one of your UFO 2’s built-in LED power mask routines.
T-sonic pulsations
UFO 2, just like the UFO mini 2, features the T-sonic pulsations. Namely, the ‘T’ in T-Sonic is short for transdermal – so named because these pulsations travel through the outer layers of skin. These T-Sonic pulsations gently massage the face – and when directed onto wrinkle-prone areas, T-Sonic pulsations help to relax facial muscle tension points and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
They also reduce puffiness and the look of dark circles, and increase the absorption of creams, serums, and mask essences – thus enhancing their efficacy.
Thermo-therapy
Thermo-Therapy is UFO’s signature technology. It uses gentle heat to offer the most luxurious power mask treatment possible. Heating to the perfect temperature for your skin, Thermo-Therapy helps soften and prep skin to absorb the full benefits of each UFO Power Activated Mask.
Adding heat to any skincare treatment also helps boost the skin’s radiance by loosening sebum on the surface of the skin. An indulgent part of many of our mask treatments, Thermo-Therapy transports you to a personalized spa for your skin.
Cryo-therapy
Cryo-Therapy is the use of extremely low temperatures to treat skin conditions, among other things. Often referred to as an instant youth solution, this cooling technique is a safe and painless way to help skin appear more lifted and firm.
UFO devices feature a wider spectrum of LED lights than any of our competitors, adding maximum power to your power mask treatment.
The tried-and-true anti-inflammatory method in any beauty routine, Cryo-Therapy helps to shrink the appearance of pores while reducing puffiness. Featured in UFO 2 only, Cryo-Therapy allows for a comfortable and invigorating treatment at any time of day.
LED light therapy – why not start today?
There are many benefits of LED light therapy. The most popular ones include the ability to improve the appearance of your skin, treat specific issues like wrinkles and fine lines, and enjoy a relaxing and pampering at-home treatment.
Whether you choose an at-home device or opt for professional treatments at a clinic or spa, LED light therapy is a great way to care for and rejuvenate your skin. So why not start today?
Orange light is certainly one of my favorites! It calms the skin and makes it look much healthier.
Hello! Thank you for your comment! The beautiful, smooth and glowing skin is the result we can promise! Take care <3
Very effective device. The skin is plumper and softer after the treatment
Dear Annika, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your FOREO experience! We are excited to hear our UFO™ 2 has justified the skinvestment and exceeded your expectations :) Make sure to check out all of our amazing UFO™-activated smart facial masks and find your favorites. We are always developing new products so that you never get bored and can enjoy the pampering sessions in the comfort of your home! Keep on glowing <3
The UFO has fantastic treatments and I love the calming and soothing effect on the skin after using it.
This article on the benefits of LED light therapy is relevant to readers as it provides valuable information on a non-invasive skincare treatment that can help improve various skin concerns.